SPRINKLER DISTRIBUTION IN SMALL ROOMS - NFPA

13
DEFINITION OF SMALL ROOM ACCORDING TO NFPA 13
- 2019 EDITION:
Small Room is defined according to NFPA 13 as a compartment
of light hazard occupancy classification having unobstructed
construction and a floor area not exceeding 74 m2.

Unobstructed construction is defined according to NFPA 13 as

a Construction where beams, trusses, or other members do not
impede heat flow or water distribution in a manner that
materially affects the ability of sprinklers to control or suppress a
fire.
Light hazard occupancies are defined according to NFPA 13 as
occupancies where fires with low rate of heat release are
expected as the quantity or combustibility of contents is
low, below are examples for light hazard occupancies:

 Office buildings
 Museums
 Restaurants seating areas
 Hospitals
 Educational buildings
 Institutional building
 Clubs
 Church
CONSTRAINTS FOR DISTRIBUTION OF STANDARD
SPRAY PENDANT & UPRIGHT SPRINKLERS IN LIGHT
HAZARD OCCUPANCIES:
 Maximum protection area per sprinkler for hydraulically
calculated systems is 20m2, and for pipe schedule method
systems is 18m2
 Maximum distance between sprinklers is 4.6m
 Minimum distance between sprinklers is 1.8m
 Maximum distance from sprinklers to walls is 2.3m
 Minimum distance from sprinklers to walls is 100mm.
Constraints for distribution of standard spray pendant & upright
sprinklers in small rooms:
 Sprinklers shall be permitted to be located not more than
(2.7 m) from any single wall.
 Other spacing limitation and maximum protection area of
coverage per sprinkler (mentioned above) shall not be
exceeded.
SPRINKLER CHARACTERISTICS ACCORDING TO NFPA
13

WHAT IS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER?

A fire suppression or control device that operates automatically when its
heat-activated element is heated to its thermal rating or above, allowing
water to discharge over a specified area.

WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF AUTOMATIC

SPRINKLERS?
Sprinkler components are showed in the following figure:
WHAT IS SPRINKLER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (SIN)?
SIN consists of one or two characters identifying the manufacturer,
followed by three or four digits to uniquely identify a sprinkler
characteristics such as K-factor, deflector characteristic, pressure rating,
and thermal sensitivity.
A measure of the rapidity with which the thermal element operates as
installed in a specific sprinkler or sprinkler assembly.
One measure of thermal sensitivity is the response time index (RTI).
VALUE OF RTI SHALL BE AS FOLLOWINGS:
(a) For RTI of 50 (meters-seconds)1∕2 or less, sprinkler is defined as fast
response
(b) For RTI of 80 (meters-seconds)1∕2 or more, Sprinkler is defined as
standard response.
c) For RTI greater than 50 and less than 80 (meters-seconds)1∕2,
sprinkler is defined as special response.
WHAT ARE SPRINKLER DISCHARGE CHARACTERISTICS?
Sprinkler K-factor, and thread type shall be in accordance with the
following table according to NFPA 13:

WHAT ARE SPRINKLER DISCHARGE CHARACTERISTICS?

Sprinkler K-factor, and thread type shall be in accordance with the
following table according to NFPA 13:
WHAT ARE TEMPERATURE CHARACTERISTICS OF
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS?
Automatic sprinklers shall have their frame arms, deflector, coating
material, or liquid bulb colored in accordance with the requirements of
the following table according to NFPA 13:
WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE INSTALLATION
ORIENTATION OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS?
PENDENT SPRINKLER:
A sprinkler designed to be installed in such a way that the water stream
is directed downward against the deflector.
UPRIGHT SPRINKLER:
A sprinkler designed to be installed in such a way that the water spray is
directed upwards against the deflector.
SIDEWALL SPRINKLER:
A sprinkler having special deflectors that are designed to discharge most
of the water away from the nearby wall in a pattern resembling one
quarter of a sphere, with a small portion of the discharge directed at the
wall behind the sprinkler.
CONCEALED SPRINKLER:
A recessed sprinkler with cover plate.
FLUSH SPRINKLER:
A sprinkler in which all or part of the body, including the shank thread,
is mounted above the lower plane of the ceiling.
RECESSED SPRINKLER:
A sprinkler in which all or part of the body, other than the shank thread,
is mounted within a recessed housing.
WHAT ARE SPRINKLER TYPES DEFINED ACCORDING
TO DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS?
SPRAY SPRINKLER:
A type of sprinkler listed for its capability to provide fire control for a
wide range of fire hazards. Spray sprinklers are available in two
categories, Standard spray and extended coverage sprinklers.
QUICK-RESPONSE (QR) SPRINKLER:
A type of spray sprinkler that has a thermal element with an RTI of 50
(meter-seconds)1∕2 or less.
CONTROL MODE DENSITY/AREA (CMDA) SPRINKLER:
A type of spray sprinkler intended to provide fire control in storage
applications using the design density/area criteria.
ONTROL MODE SPECIFIC APPLICATION (CMSA)
SPRINKLER:
A type of spray sprinkler that is capable of producing characteristic
large water droplets and that is listed for its capability to provide fire
control of specific high-challenge fire hazards.
EARLY SUPPRESSION FAST-RESPONSE (ESFR) SPRINKLER:
A type of fast-response sprinkler that has a thermal element with an RTI
of 50 (meters-seconds)1∕2 or less and is listed for its capability to
provide fire suppression of specific high challenge fire hazards.
NOZZLE:
A device for use in applications requiring special water discharge
patterns, directional spray, or other unusual discharge characteristics.
OPEN SPRINKLER:
A sprinkler that does not have actuators or heat-responsive elements.
RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLER:
A type of fast-response sprinkler having a thermal element with an RTI
of 50 (meters-seconds)1∕2 or less that has been specifically investigated
for its ability to enhance survivability in the room of fire origin and that
is listed for use in the protection of dwelling units.

PIPE SCHEDULE METHOD FOR FIREFIGHTING

SPRINKLER SYSTEM

The water demand for firefighting sprinkler systems shall be determined

by either the pipe schedule method or the hydraulic calculation method,
in this article we will discuss the pipe schedule method.
WHAT IS PIPE SCHEDULE SYSTEM?!
According to NFPA 13, Pipe Schedule System is defined as sprinkler
system in which the pipe sizing is selected from a schedule that is
determined by the occupancy classification and in which a given
number of sprinklers are allowed to be supplied from specific sizes of
pipe.
WHERE CAN WE USE PIPE SCHEDULE METHOD?!
 New systems of 465 m2 or less.
 Additions or modifications to existing pipe schedule systems.
CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCIES ACCORDING TO
HAZARD
NFPA 13 classifies the occupancies according to the quantity and
combustibility of contents, the expected rates of heat release, the total
potential for energy release, the heights of stockpiles, and the presence
of flammable and combustible liquids as the followings:
LIGHT HAZARD OCCUPANCY
Spaces with low quantity and combustibility of contents.
Examples: Churches, clubs, hospitals, restaurant seating area, offices
buildings, and etc.
ORDINARY HAZARD GROUP (1) OCCUPANCY
Spaces with moderate quantity and low combustibility of contents, or
stockpiles of contents with low combustibility that do not exceed 2.4 m.
Examples: Bakeries, beverage manufacturing, automobile parking,
restaurant services area, and etc.
ORDINARY HAZARD GROUP (2) OCCUPANCY
Spaces with moderate to high quantity and combustibility of contents or
Stockpiles of contents with moderate to high combustibility that do not
exceed 3.7 m.
Examples: Dry cleaners, feed mills, barns or stables, textile
manufacturing, and etc.
EXTRA HAZARD GROUP (1) OCCUPANCY
Spaces with very high quantity and combustibility of contents or Spaces
where dust, lint, or other materials are present, introducing the
probability of rapidly developing fires.
Examples: Aircraft hangers, die casting, metal extruding, saw mills,
and etc.
EXTRA HAZARD GROUP (2) OCCUPANCY
Spaces with very high quantity and combustibility of contents or Spaces
with substantial amounts of combustible or flammable liquids or Spaces
where shielding of combustibles is extensive
Examples: Asphalt saturating, flow coating, flammable liquids
spraying, and etc.

HIGH-PILED STORAGE OCCUPANCY

Solid-piled, palletized, rack storage, bin box, and shelf storage in excess
of 3.7 m in height.

PIPE SCHEDULE ACCORDING TO HAZARD DEGREE:

The table below summarizes the pipe schedule for each hazard degree:
 Pipe schedule according to hazard degree

Note that: the column for the extra hazard occupancies is just used as a
guide for only extensions for existing systems, while new extra hazard
occupancies shall be hydraulically calculated.

PIPE SCHEDULE FOR SPRINKLERS ABOVE & BELOW

CEILING(BOTH PENDENT AND UPRIGHT SPK INSIDE
CEILING )
NFPA 13 requires concealed spaces of exposed combustible
construction to be sprinklered, in this case we have to follow pipe
schedules for sprinklers above & below ceiling, the table below
summarizes the pipe schedule for sprinklers installed in concealed space
& below ceiling:

Pipe schedule for sprinklers above & below ceiling

For more information about concealed spaces requiring sprinklers, and

cases to omit sprinklers in concealed spaces, please check it in NFPA
13, clause "[Link]".
MINIMUM WATER SUPPLY REQUIREMENTS FOR PIPE
SCHEDULE SYSTEMS:
The table below summarizes the minimum water flow rate, residual
pressure, and duration of pipe schedule systems:

Minimum water supply requirements for pipe schedule systems

Note that:Pipe schedule method can be used to determine the system
demand for new systems exceeding 465 m2 where the flow required as
above table is available at a minimum residual pressure of 50 psi.

The lower duration value is accepted only where water flow alarm
devices & supervisory devices are electrically supervised & monitored.

The lower flow figure shall be permitted only where building is of

noncombustible construction or no open areas exceed 280 m2 for light
hazard or 370 m2 for ordinary hazard.

The friction losses of back flow prevention devices shall be accounted

for when determining acceptable residual pressure at the top level of
sprinklers, this value shall be added to the elevation loss and the
residual pressure to determine the total pressure needed at the water
supply.
FLOOR CONTROL VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR COMBINED RISERS

ZCV
FLOOR CONTROL VALVE ASSEMBLY COMPONENTS:

 Floor Control Valve with supervisory

switch
 Check valve
 Main drain valve
 Pressure Gauge
 Flow switch
 Floor Control Valve Assembly

WHERE REQUIRED?!

Floor control valve assembly shall be provided in buildings

exceeding two stories.

WHERE NOT REQUIRED?!

 Floor control valves assembly is not required for dry

systems in parking garages.
 Floor control valve assembly shall not be required where
sprinklers on the top level of a multistory building are
supplied by piping on the floor below.
Floor control valve assembly shall not be required where the total
area of all floors combined does not exceed the system
protection area limitations of required by NFPA 13.
NOTE THAT: SYSTEM PROTECTION AREA LIMITATION
ACCORDING TO NFPA 13 IS AS FOLLOWINGS:
 For light hazard occupancies is 4830 m2.
 For ordinary hazard occupancies is 4830 m2.
 For Extra hazard occupancies is 3720 m2.
 For high piled storage is 3720 m2.
  For in-rack storage is 3720 m2.

NOTE THAT: WHERE INDIVIDUAL FLOOR/ZONE

CONTROL VALVES ARE NOT PROVIDED, A FLANGED
JOINT OR MECHANICAL COUPLING SHALL BE USED AT
THE RISER AT EACH FLOOR FOR CONNECTIONS TO
PIPING SERVING FLOOR AREAS IN EXCESS OF 465 M2.
NFPA 13 sets limits on the maximum size of an area that a single
sprinkler system can protect on each floor of a building. These
limitations depend on the hazard level of the occupancy:
 Light hazard and ordinary hazard: 52,000 square feet (4,800
square meters) per floor
 Extra hazard and high-piled storage: 40,000 square feet (3,700
square meters) per floor
This means that if you have a building with a floor area larger than these
limits, you'll need to install multiple sprinkler systems with separate
risers to comply with NFPA 13. There are hydraulic calculations
required for extra hazard occupancies exceeding 40,000 sq ft.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SPRINKLERS ON BRANCH LINE
ACCORDING TO NFPA13

Maximum Number of Sprinklers on Branch Line According to NFPA13

According to NFPA 13 - 2022 edition ([Link].1), Branch lines
shall not exceed eight sprinklers on either side of a cross main
and shall be sized in accordance with the tables below for light
and ordinary hazard occupancies:
 Pipe Schedule for Ordinary Hazard

Where more than eight sprinklers on a branch line are necessary,

lines shall be permitted to be increased to nine sprinklers by
making the two end lengths 1 in. and 11∕4 in. , respectively, and
the sizes thereafter standard.
Ten sprinklers shall be permitted to be placed on a branch line,
making the two end lengths 1 in. and 11∕4 in., respectively, and
feeding the tenth sprinkler by a 21∕2 in. pipe.
The figure below, illustrates the above rules:
FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION (FDC)
 Fire Department Connection according to NFPA 13

WHAT IS FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION (FDC)?!

A connection through which the fire department can pump supplemental
water into the sprinkler system, standpipe, or other water-based fire
protection systems, furnishing water for fire extinguishment to
supplement existing water supplies.
PURPOSE OF FDC:
To supplement the water supply but not necessarily provide the entire sprinkler system demand,
Fire department connections are not intended to deliver a specific volume of water.

WHEN FDC IS REQUIRED:

FDC is required for all building except the followings:

1. Buildings in remote areas inaccessible for fire department.

2. Large-capacity deluge systems exceeding fire department
pumping capacity.
3. Single-story buildings not exceeding 185 m2 in area.
4. OCATION OF FDCS:
5. At nearest point of fire department apparatus accessibility, or at a location approved by
the AHJ.
6. INSTALLATION HEIGHT OF FDC:
7. Not less than 500 mm and not more than 1200 mm above grade.
VALVES ON FDC PIPING:
Shutoff valves shall not be permitted in fire department


connection piping.
 A listed check valve shall be installed in each fire department
connection and shall be located in an accessible location with
automatic drain valve where subject to freezing.
SIZING OF FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION:
The size of the pipe for the fire department connection shall be in
accordance with one of the following:

 Pipe size shall be a minimum of 4 in. (100 mm) for fire engine
connections.
 Pipe size shall be a minimum of 6 in. (150 mm) for fire boat
connections.
 For hydraulically calculated systems, the pipe size shall be
permitted to be less than 4 in. (100 mm), but not less than the
largest riser.
NO. OF 2.5” INLETS:
For riser 3” or smaller: Single 2.5” outlet


 For riser larger than 3”: Two 2.5” outlets

PROTECTION OF RACK STORAGE USING IN-RACK
SPRINKLERS | NFPA 13
Mohamed Nabil January 08, 2022 firefighting, FPS ‫بالعربي‬, NFPA 13

CHAPTER 25: PROTECTION OF RACK STORAGE USING IN-

RACK SPRINKLERS

Protection of Rack Storage Using In-Rack Sprinklers | NFPA 13

- ‫ ال‬chapter ‫ ال حماية يشرح كله‬racks ‫ كانت حاله في‬open racks ‫ بال خاص جزء مع فقط‬solid racks
3720 m2 ‫ واحد ال تزيد عن‬in-rack sprinkler ‫ المساحة التي يتم حمايتها عن طريق نظام‬
 ‫‪ ‬يتم تركيب ‪ indicated control valve & drain‬لكل من نظام ال ‪ in-rack sprinkler‬ونظام ال ‪ceiling‬‬
‫‪ sprinkler‬للتحكم فيه بشكل منفصل في حاله حدوث أي تلف في شبكه ال ‪in-rack sprinklers‬‬
‫‪ ‬يتم تركيب ال ‪ in-rack sprinkler‬في ال ‪ racks‬ويمكن تعرضها للتلف عن طريق معدات التخزين ال ‪ forklifts‬ولذلك يجب‬
‫تركيب ‪ control valves‬بينها وبين ال ‪ ceiling sprinklers‬لسهوله التحكم فيها في حاله حدوث ذلك وعدم تأثيرها على‬
‫ال ‪ceiling sprinklers‬‬

‫‪ ‬ال يتم تركيب‪ control valves‬خاص ال ‪ in-rack sprinkler‬في حاله كان عدد الرشاشات اقل من ‪ 20‬رشاش‬

‫‪ ‬يتم استخدام ‪ sectional control valve‬بدال من ال ‪ indicated control valve‬لفصل ال ‪ in-rack sprinkler‬عن‬
‫ال ‪ ceiling sprinklers‬في حاله وجود ال ‪ racks‬في مساحه تقل عن ‪ m2 740‬من المساحة المحمية عن طريق ال ‪ceiling‬‬
‫‪sprinklers‬‬
 1. Home
2. Fire and Life Safety
3. NFPA 20: Fire pump design

NFPA 20: Fire pump design

When designing a fire pump, there are a number of factors to
keep in mind, particularly NFPA 20
BY TRACEY FOSTER, SET, CFPS, DEWBERRY, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA NOVEMBER 21,
2019
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Learning Objectives
 Learn how to properly size a fire pump.
 Understand the differences between various styles of fire pumps.
 Know how to design fire pump piping to meet NFPA 20 requirements.
 Appreciate cost variations between different pump styles and controller options.

NFPA 20: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection protects life and property by
providing requirements for the installation of fire pumps to ensure that systems will work as intended to
deliver adequate and reliable water supplies in a fire emergency.

A fire sprinkler system is a critical component of life safety in a building. The International Building
Code grants a number of exceptions when a building is “fully sprinklered,” such as reductions in rated
separations, reductions in fire hydrant flow demands, increased egress travel distances and increased
building heights and areas. These exceptions are permitted with an expectation that, in the event of a
fire, the sprinkler system will suppress the fire to a sufficient degree that occupants can safely evacuate the
building and the growth of the fire will be controlled until the fire department arrives to fully extinguish it.

Often, the municipal water system has sufficient pressure to operate the sprinkler system. A fire pump is
required when the available water source does not have adequate pressure. When a sprinkler system relies
on a fire pump, the performance of the system is dependent on the pressure created by the pump.

Because of the critical importance of the fire pump, careful consideration should be employed when
selecting and designing a fire pump.

Sizing a fire pump

A fire pump’s size is dictated by the most hydraulically demanding area of the fire protection system. In
many high-rise buildings, this can be the automatic fire standpipe system demand which requires
500 gallons per minute at 100 pounds per square inch at the top of the most remote standpipe, plus
250 gpm for each additional standpipe, up to a maximum of 1,000 gpm for wet systems or 1,250 gpm for
dry systems.

For nonhigh-rise buildings, the most demanding area could be any number of different hazards. Though the
IBC requires buildings with a highest finished floor located more than 30 feet above the lowest fire
department vehicle access to be equipped with Class III standpipes or Class I if the building is fully
sprinklered, NFPA 14: Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems allows the standpipes to
be manual type with the necessary pressure provided by the fire department pumper truck through the fire
department connection (2013 NFPA 14, Section [Link]), thus eliminating the standpipe demand
from consideration. It is important to perform a hazard analysis of the building before attempting to size the
fire pump.
For example, a new sprinkler system might be installed in a five-story medical office building with a partial
basement (overall building height of 69 feet). The building construction is noncombustible, Type II-
B and each floor is approximately 18,000 square feet. The basement level contains electrical rooms, general
storage rooms, a small oxygen storage room (250 square feet) enclosed by a two-hour fire rating and a
covered exterior loading dock.

Floors one through four are comprised of offices, exam rooms and outpatient procedure
rooms. The fifth floor is a large mechanical penthouse with a roof slope of 3:12. The center core
areas on levels zero through four contain elevator lobbies, public corridors and public restrooms. The
building is equipped with a Class I wet manual standpipe system.

The predominate hazard classification for the overall building is that of light hazard occupancy,
however, the building contains spaces that warrant higher hazard designations. While the oxygen storage
room requires the highest density (0.30 gpm for extra hazard occupancy), this space is not the most
hydraulically demanding. The two-hour rated enclosure provides an effective barrier to prevent fire spread
outside of the room. For this reason, the calculated area need only extend to the perimeter walls of the room
(NFPA 13-2013, Section [Link]).

The exterior loading dock requires the second highest density: 0.20 gpm for ordinary hazard group 2. It also
requires a 30% increase to the remote area size because the system type must be dry due to exposure to
freezing conditions (NFPA 13-2013, Section [Link].5). The estimated flow demand for this area is
approximately 507 gpm (0.20 gpm x 1,950 square feet = 390 gpm + 30% for sprinkler head overflow
= 507 gpm). A preliminary hydraulic calculation for this area indicates a required system pressure of 65 psi.

The most hydraulically demanding area in this example is the level five mechanical room. Though the
density for this remote area is only 0.15 gpm (ordinary hazard group 1), the top floor location requires
additional pressure to overcome the head loss from elevation. The remote area size is increased
to 1,950 square feet due to a 30% increase for slopes exceeding 2:12 (NFPA 13-2013, Section
[Link].4). The estimated flow demand for this area is approximately 380 gpm (0.15 gpm x 1,950 square
feet = 292.5 gpm + 30% for sprinkler head overflow = 380 gpm). A preliminary hydraulic calculation
indicates a required system pressure of 90 psi.

Once a hazard analysis and preliminary hydraulic calculations have established the fire flow and pressure
required to meet the standpipe or sprinkler system demand, a review of a recent water flow test can identify
if a fire pump is necessary. The water flow test used to size the fire pump is required to have been completed
within the last 12 months (NFPA 20-2013, Section [Link]).

In the example scenario, the water flow test indicates pressures of 54 psi static, 48 psi
residual, flowing at 940 gpm. When the required outside hose demand is added to the system flow demand
(380 gpm + 250 hose = 630 gpm) and plotted on a graph, the available city water pressure is approximately
49 psi when flowing at 630 gpm.

Typically, a minimum safety factor of 10 psi is required. To meet the demand, the fire pump size should be
at least 400 gpm rated at 51 psi (100 psi – 49 psi city pressure = 51 psi). Fire pumps are typically sized by
pressure range, therefore a 400 gpm pump with a revolutions per minute speed of 3,550 can deliver a rated
pressure from 40 to 56 psi without increasing the size of the pump. Because there is no cost
difference between the rated pressure of 51 and 56 psi, and high pressure is not a
concern, the 400 gpm pump rated at 56 psi is acceptable. Fire pump pressures will be explored in further
detail later.

For exceptionally tall buildings, more than one fire pump may be necessary to deliver the pressure required
to the higher floors. NFPA 20 permits a maximum of three pumps to operate in series (NFPA 20-2013,
Section [Link]).
Fire pumps cannot operate in parallel because the discharge check valve is forced closed when the pressure
on the outlet side of the valve is higher than that on the inlet side. For this reason, it is not possible to add
a parallel fire pump to boost the pressure and/or flow to a system.

Selecting a fire pump

Selection of the fire pump depends on the building infrastructure and available space. The most common
choices for fire pump drivers are electric motors and diesel engines. Electric motors requiring high
horsepower are commonly run on 460 volt or higher, three-phase power. Steam turbines are also an
option, but are fairly uncommon.

In buildings that are not equipped with enough power to supply an electric motor, a diesel fire pump may be
utilized. A fuel storage tank with the capacity to hold 1 gallon of fuel per horsepower plus an additional
volume to provide room for thermal expansion is required. A dike must be provided beneath the fuel storage
tank to contain any potential fuel spills. Often, a pressure–relief valve is required on the discharge side of the
pump to relieve excess pressure in the event the engine revs out of control or if a combination of suction
pressure and pump pressure rise above a certain threshold. The diesel motor exhaust must be routed through
a muffler to the outside.

A diesel fire pump must be located in a separate enclosure or in a room with direct access to
the exterior. The enclosure size is substantially larger than normally required for an electric fire
pump because of the stored fuel and batteries necessary to provide a backup power source. Diesel fire pumps
are more expensive to install and maintain because of the large number of mechanical parts, which can be
prone to failure.

In buildings where the electrical capacity is not a concern, an electric driver is the preferred choice. Electric
motors are more compact, require fewer mechanical parts and produce fewer negative environmental
impacts.

Though NFPA 20 provides guidelines for various types of pumps

(centrifugal, vertical shaft turbine, positive displacement and multistage multiport), centrifugal fire
pumps are — including horizontal split case and vertical in-line — the most common among commercial
buildings and thus highlighted in this example. Vertical in–line pumps are generally more compact, with a
smaller footprint. While horizontal split case pumps must be mounted on a concrete housekeeping pad,
vertical in-line pumps can instead be mounted on pipe stand supports. For these reasons, vertical in–line
pumps are often a preferred choice for replacements or retrofits.

The impeller rotation in a vertical in-line pump is less susceptible to mechanical damage from water
turbulence, allowing for more flexibility in the piping arrangement on the suction side of the
pump. Horizontal split case pumps are only permitted to have elbows and tees installed perpendicular to the
pump when the fitting is located at least 10 pipe size diameters from the suction flange (NFPA 20-2013,
Sections [Link].1 to [Link].3). These requirements are not applicable to vertical in-line styles.

The impeller on a horizontal split-case pump is located in a separate casing in front of the
motor, allowing for easy access if maintenance is required. On a vertical in–line pump, the impeller is
beneath the motor, requiring the entire motor be raised and/or removed to access the impeller. For this
reason, it is recommended that a hoist beam or another means of lifting is provided for vertical inline pumps
greater than 30 horsepower.

Fire pump pressures

The total head of a fire pump is the energy imparted to the liquid as it passes through the pump, usually
expressed in psi. For fire pumps such as horizontal split-case and vertical in-line centrifugal pumps that are
required to operate under net positive suction head, the total head of a fire pump is calculated by adding the
suction head (city pressure) to the discharge head. The discharge head of the pump varies along a
performance curve that is determined by three limiting points: the shut-off, the rating and the overload.

The shut-off represents the maximum allowable total head pressure when the pump is operating at zero
flow; this is sometimes also referred to as the churn pressure. The rating is the listed pressure and flow that
the pump should produce when operating at 100% of pump capacity. The total head pressure should not be
less than 65% of the rated total head when the pump is operating at 150% of rated flow capacity, this is the
overload point. System flow demands that exceed the overload point can expose the pump to possible
cavitation and damage.

A fire pump performance curve has an allowable operating range not to exceed 140% of the rated pressure
of the pump. Consider the previous example of a 400 gpm pump rated at 56 psi. This pump will produce
400 gpm at 56 psi when operating at 100% of pump capacity. It also can produce a maximum volume
of 600 gpm at 36 psi when operating at 65% of pump capacity. The available volume and
pressure vary along the pump curve.

Referring back to the medical building example, the loading dock required an estimated 507 gpm at 65
psi. From the pump curve in Figure 3, the pump will deliver approximately 47 psi when flowing
507 gpm. When this discharge pressure is combined with the city supply (47 + 48 psi = 95 psi), it is evident
that the selected pump can easily satisfy the hydraulic demand for the loading dock dry system.

A fire pump’s churn pressure is the amount of pressure generated when the pump is operating at zero flow.
The churn pressure is combined with the static water pressure from the connected source, resulting in a
combined static pressure for which all components must be rated. As an example, a churn pressure rating
of 126% will produce 71 psi of static discharge pressure from the aforementioned pump. When the churn
pressure is combined with the static city pressure, the total amount of static pressure expected on the
discharge side of the pump is 122 psi (71 psi discharge pressure + 51 static city pressure = 122 psi).

If the static pressure exceeds 175 psi (the pressure rating for standard sprinkler components and maximum
pressure allowed for fire hose valve connections), pressure–reducing valves may be required unless all
components of the system are rated for high pressure. It is important to include the pump churn rating in the
factors to consider when weighing all of the options to make a proper pump selection.

The cost of a fire pump is largely based on the horsepower rating of the pump and the type of controller.
Vertical inline pumps are usually more cost effective when compared to horizontal split-case pumps in
smaller sizes (less than 1,000 to 1,250 gpm ratings). It is recommended to consult a local fire pump
representative to compare the horsepower ratings between horizontal split-case and vertical in-line pumps,
as the horsepower rating can drive up costs related to controls and electrical connections.

Controllers
NFPA 20 requires that a fire pump be supplied by a continually available power source, usually identified
as an uninterrupted power source (NFPA 20-2013, Section 9.1.5 and 9.2.1). In many cases, this requirement
necessitates that a backup generator be provided as a secondary source in the event of a power failure, in
which case the fire pump controller must be equipped with an automatic transfer switch. An ATS is an
option on a fire pump controller that must be specified; a controller does not come normally equipped with
an ATS.

The least costly type of fire pump controller is an “across-the-line” direct–voltage controller without
an ATS. This is the default controller that will usually be supplied unless a different style has been
specified. Many electrical engineers prefer “soft start” reduced-voltage controllers instead, because these
controllers reduce the immediate power draw on the backup generator by slowly ramping up the
voltage, allowing for a reduction in generator size.
Consult with the electrical engineer to discuss the pros and cons of the different controller styles. The cost
savings to the overall project may be greater by selecting the more expensive soft start controller to reduce
the size of the generator.

Fire pump design

An outside screw and yoke gate valve must be installed in the suction pipe to provide a means of isolation
from the incoming supply line (NFPA 20-2013, Section [Link]). This is the only device that is explicitly
permitted to be installed in the suction line within 50 feet of the pump suction flange, though NFPA 20 does
provide allowances for other equipment, which may be required by the authority having jurisdiction or by
other sections of the standard. These valves must be electrically supervised through the fire alarm system.

Where the local AHJ and/or municipal water department requires a backflow preventer to be installed in
the fire pump suction line, it must be located a minimum distance of 10 times the pipe size diameter from
the pump suction flange (NFPA 20-2013, Section 4.27.3). This distance requirement is specific to backflow
preventers equipped with outside screw and yoke gate valves. If a backflow preventer is equipped with
butterfly valves, the minimum distance to the suction flange is increased to 50 feet (NFPA 20-2013, Section
[Link]). This increased distance is provided to allow for dissipation of air bubbles that may form
as water passes across the center disk of a fully open butterfly valve. Other nontraditional methods of
backflow prevention, such as break tanks, are not addressed within the purview of this article.

NFPA 20 also provides an exception for a pressure–sensing line connection to the suction line
when the AHJ requires a low–suction throttling valve to maintain positive pressure on the suction piping
(NFPA 20-2013, Section [Link]). The low–suction throttling valve is installed on the discharge side of the
pump before the discharge check valve.

On the discharge side of the pump, a check valve and an indicating control valve are required. The control
valve must be installed after the check valve (NFPA 20-2013, Section 4.15.7). If the fire pump is equipped
with a flowmeter bypass, the bypass connection to the discharge pipe should be between the check valve and
control valve. Where fire pumps are installed in a series, butterfly valves are not permitted to be installed
between the pumps.

A fire pump bypass is required on all fire pumps where the suction supply is of sufficient pressure to be of
material value without the pump (NFPA 20-2013, Section 4.14.4). The bypass must be at least as large as
the discharge pipe and should be equipped with a check valve installed between two normally open control
valves oriented in a manner to prevent backflow to the suction side of the pump. The bypass line should be
connected before the outside screw and yoke on the suction side and after the control valve on the discharge
side of the pump.

Every fire pump must be equipped with a metering device or fixed nozzles to accommodate pump testing.
This equipment must be capable of water flow not less than 175% of rated pump capacity (NFPA 20-2013,
Section [Link]). When the metering device is installed in a loop arrangement for fire pump flow testing, an
alternate means of measuring the flow must also be provided.

A flowmeter bypass is preferred in some municipalities as part of a water conservation effort.

The flowmeter bypass allows routine tests to be performed without discharging water to the
environment. The bypass line is equipped with a Venturi flowmeter located between two normally closed
butterfly valves. To achieve proper performance of the flowmeter, manufacturer–specified minimum
distances must be maintained between the flowmeter and the adjacent normally closed butterfly
valves. The flowmeter bypass must be connected after the outside screw and yoke on the suction
side and between the check valve and the control valve on the discharge side of the pump.

The minimum pipe diameter and number of outlets required for a fire pump test header is dictated by the
flow capacity of the pump. These minimum requirements are outlined in NFPA 20 (NFPA 20-2013, Table
4.26(a)). When the pipe between the test header and the pump discharge flange exceeds 15 linear feet, the
pipe diameter must be increased to the next size up.

When transitional fittings are required to reduce or increase the pipe diameter at the pump flange, care
should be taken to select the proper reducing fitting. On the suction side of the pump, the flanged reducer
must be the eccentric tapered type, installed in a manner to avoid air pockets. The reducer on the discharge
side of the pump should be the concentric type.

The fire department connection should tie into the system on the discharge side of the pump. When
an FDC is located upstream of a fire pump, the result can be high velocities that increase water turbulence
and expose the fire pump to damaging conditions. Many fire pumps have maximum suction pressure ratings
that can be exceeded by the pressures distributed through the FDC.

Fire pump enclosure

Lastly, when determining a location for a new fire pump enclosure, it is important to consider service
accessibility and proximity to the building exterior. A fire pump room should be located on an exterior wall
adjacent to the fire lane and above the floodplain. If the enclosure must be
located inside, it shall be accessible by a passageway with a fire rating equal to that of the fire pump
enclosure. NFPA 20 requires the fire pump room to have a minimum two-hour fire rating when located in a
high-rise building. The fire rating can be reduced to a one-hour rating when the fire pump enclosure is
located in a fully sprinkled, nonhigh-rise building.

The enclosure should be large enough to provide adequate clearance for installation and maintenance of the
fire pump and related components. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 12 inches of clearance behind
the fire pump and a minimum distance of 12 inches from the edges of the entire fire pump assembly,
piping and valves to the walls. If the room consists of multiple sprinkler and/or standpipe risers, a minimum
clear distance of 12 inches between risers should be maintained to allow for easy access to equipment. An
approach clearance of at least 3 feet should be maintained in front of the fire pump and related equipment.
Minimum clearances in accordance with NFPA 70 must be maintained around energized electrical
equipment.

The fire pump room is intended solely for fire protection equipment and is not to be shared by other
mechanical trades. This rule is applicable to all equipment that is nonessential to the operation of the fire
pump except equipment related to domestic water distribution. NFPA 20 provides an exception for domestic
water equipment to be located within the fire pump room.

There are many factors to consider when designing a fire pump. NFPA 20 contains
valuable requirements, which should be strictly followed to ensure that the fire pump will perform as
intended, should it ever be needed.